Ryan: Tressel's Selection 'Great Day for Valley'
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-13, who led the public charge for Jim Tressel to be appointed president of Youngstown State University, says his selection this morning by the board of trustees "is a great day for the Mahoning Valley and northeast Ohio" and should send a signal to those who have left the area that now is the time to return.
“This is a new beginning for our university; a time for revitalization and renewal at Youngstown State and the broader community," he said. "The challenges are many, but with our collective intellect, creativity and determination, we will meet these challenges and transform our region."
Tressel agreed this morning to accept the position, the chairman of the trustees, Dr. Sudershan K. Garg, told reporters following the board's unanimous vote to select Tressel (READ STORY).
Ryan was the first community leader to urge the trustees to appoint Tressel, and sent the board an endorsement letter signed by numerous community leaders. Other public endorsements followed, including a letter signed by 20 members of the Youngstown State University Foundation.
Here is the full text of the congressman's statement:
“This is a great day for The Mahoning Valley and northeast Ohio. I am happy to congratulate Jim Tressel on his selection as President of Youngstown State University. He is the right leader to guide YSU through the challenging times ahead. I couldn’t be more proud of the YSU Board of Trustees for their leadership. They have conducted themselves with professionalism, integrity and the boldness that this situation required.
“This was a community-wide effort in which Democrats and Republicans, business and labor came together to change the trajectory of our communities future. This is another chapter in how, by coming together, we are writing the great comeback story of the Mahoning Valley.
“This is a new beginning for our university; a time for revitalization and renewal at Youngstown State and the broader community. The challenges are many, but with our collective intellect, creativity and determination, we will meet these challenges and transform our region.
“Make no mistake, the biggest beneficiary of this decision is the student body at YSU. They will reap the benefits of President Tressel's leadership both on campus and with increased opportunities in the local economy.
“Finally, to the Mahoning Valley diaspora, now that Coach Tressel has chosen to return it should signal to you that this is a vibrant and exciting place to be. It is a much different community than the one you left. This is truly an exciting time, but there is still more to do -- and we need everyone to be involved. Join us.”
Copyright 2014 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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